KCH Day 2 │ Spring Mall • Food Bazaar

Laksa Quest — Third Time’s the Charm

After yesterday’s exertions, we spent the entire evening at the Airbnb, ordering in something light for supper. We all slept well, and I was the first to wake at 8:00am. After a quick shower, I woke everyone else.

Once everyone was ready, we got into the rental car and left at 10:00am in search of breakfast. We were all in the mood for laksa, so we drove twenty minutes to a riverside spot called Tinot Laksa.

Unfortunately, Waze led us into a cluster of residential homes — no laksa in sight.

Still determined, we turned to Google and were recommended Mom’s Laksa, about ten minutes away. We got there… but couldn’t find suitable parking.

Dejected but undefeated, we decided to head to The Spring Mall, since we had errands to run there anyway.

Laksa at Last — Food Bazaar The Spring

This was our first visit to The Spring, so we asked around for a place serving local cuisine. We were directed to the food court upstairs — Food Bazaar The Spring.

To our delight, one of the stalls sold laksa. We each ordered a bowl, and breakfast came to RM29.40 (approximately USD/EUR6).

Not quite the riverside laksa we imagined, but still satisfying.

A Quick Errand

After breakfast, we walked around a couple of shoe stores. Cat finally found a pair she liked at Padini — she had only brought sneakers and wanted a nice pair of sandals for Brendan’s graduation ceremony tomorrow.

With that sorted, we drove back to Adelyn’s Airbnb, which we’ll feature in the next video.

What’s Next

Stay tuned — tomorrow is graduation day!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

The Spring Shopping Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yq2JA2Vqs1EzsH8v8

KCH Day 1 │ Flying to Kuching (MH2520 KUL ✈ KCH)

MH2520 — Flying Back to Kuching

After breakfast at McDonald’s, we headed straight to the Departure Hall. We successfully navigated the security checkpoint and made our way to Gate A5.

Our flight was still scheduled to take off at 10:55am, so we had about an hour to wait.

Boarding began at 10:25am, batch by batch according to groups. After a slight delay in loading luggage, the plane began taxiing at 11:00am.

MH2520 took off at 11:15am.

In the Air

Apart from a few air pockets, the flight was largely uneventful. Soon after, we were served our on board meals:

• Brendan — Chicken Briyani
• Cat & I — Fish with Potatoes

It has to be said that we’ve noticed a dip in service lately — the cabin crew felt cold and distant this time.

Touchdown in Kuching

We touched down at 12:50pm. Since the baggage carousel was right beside the washroom, we all went for a much needed pit stop.

While waiting for our luggage, a lady brazenly walked into the men’s washroom by mistake. She beat a hasty retreat, and we had a good chuckle.

We eventually cleared Customs and Immigration and walked out of Kuching International Airport at 1:15pm.

What’s Next

Be sure to catch the next video — we’re picking up our rental car and heading to UNIMAS.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kuala Lumpur International Airport [KLIA]

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYvUeoexURAYX19V6

Kuching International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/f332PGTvyN2EvCDJ7

MKZ Day 3 │ Restoran DE LISBON

A Portuguese Farewell Feast

An exceptionally long time ago, we remembered having dinner here in a humble wooden stall on stilts, and that was where we first tasted what we still believed to be the best Curry Debal we had ever had.

Over the years, things changed.

Those rustic wooden huts had since given way to brick and mortar restaurants. We had also spent time frequenting Stall No. 8 (De Costa) run by Roy (Ah Loy), which once served a decent version of Curry Debal—but that too had changed hands, and the dish we loved was no more.

A New Hope

A quick search led us to Restoran De Lisbon, often mentioned as serving one of the best versions of Curry Debal in Melaka.

This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

A short Grab ride later, we found ourselves at Portuguese Square, seated and ready to order.

The Feast

Without hesitation, we went for:

• Curry Debal — RM25.00
• Sambal Petai Sotong — RM30.00
• Fried Brinjals — RM10.00
• Several servings of plain rice — RM2.00
• Large bottle of Tiger Beer — RM19.00
• Orange juice & mineral water — RM5.00
• (Added later) Fried rice takeaway for Brendan — RM6.00

Total: RM97.00 (≈ USD23/EUR20)

Worth the Splurge?

This wasn’t exactly “everyday food for the everyday person.” It was a proper Portuguese inspired banquet, and with it being our final day in Melaka, we felt justified in indulging a little.

The Verdict

And the Curry Debal? Simply put—exceptional.

Often described as a bold mix of spicy, tangy, and vinegary flavours, this version absolutely delivered. It reminded us of why we fell in love with the dish in the first place.

In fact, some publications (including mentions online) ranked it among the best—and we couldn’t disagree.

Closing the Melaka Chapter

With that meal, our Melaka story came to a close. It had been a trip filled with:

• Familiar places revisited
• Old memories rediscovered
• New flavours explored

And just like that, it was time to head home. 

But we knew one thing for certain—we would be back again. ✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Restoran De Lisbon - https://goo.gl/maps/u3csV5S9X5eqxez38

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

MKZ Day 3 │ LUNG ANN Refreshments

A Breakfast Worth the Wait

After a late night (blame the large bottle of Heineken), I woke up a little later than usual.

We had planned to start the morning early at Lung Ann Refreshments, but by the time we were ready to leave, it was already close to 10:00am. Still, we decided to try our luck anyway.

The Millennial chose to skip breakfast and head off to Dataran Pahlawan to watch the new Matrix movie, leaving just the two of us.

Luck on Our Side

Lung Ann was known for being extremely difficult to get a table, especially during peak hours. But somehow, luck was on our side—we managed to grab a seat.

Our Usual Order

Without overthinking it, we ordered what we always enjoyed:

• 2 sets of Grilled Bread – RM4.40
• 2 sets of Half Boiled Eggs – RM5.20
• Iced Tea & Coffee – RM7.40
• (Added later) Teo Chew Noodles – RM5.00

Total: RM22.00 (≈ USD5.20/EUR4.60)

Simple, Honest Food

This was another perfect example of what we loved most: everyday food for the everyday person.

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just:

• Crisp toast
• Perfectly runny eggs
• A comforting bowl of noodles
• And strong local drinks to tie it all together

A Place That Never Disappoints

We had been coming here for years, and this visit only reminded us why.

Good food. Great value. And that familiar, comforting atmosphere.

Without a doubt—we’ll keep coming back, again and again. 🍞🥚✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lung Ann Refreshments 隆安茶室 - https://goo.gl/maps/dFHqKcGMkFDYiWu7A

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

MKZ Day 2 │ Meandering: Dataran Pahlawan and Beyond!

Melaka Trip Day 2 — A Sweet Day In

The Pan Mee we had earlier that morning turned out to be more filling than expected. By the time lunch came around, neither of us was particularly hungry.

So instead of heading out, we decided to do something different.

Dessert for Lunch

We placed an order through GrabFood from one of our favourite Melaka names—Baba Charlie.

Maybe we got a little carried away.

We ended up ordering a wide assortment of cakes and traditional desserts, many of which were not easily found back home in Kuala Lumpur. The total came to RM54 (≈ USD13/EUR11).

A little indulgent, yes—but completely worth it.

A Lazy Afternoon

Back at the apartment, we enjoyed our spread slowly before giving in to the afternoon heat.

A short nap followed, and before we knew it, it was evening.

Evening at Dataran Pahlawan

We hailed a Grab and headed to Dataran Pahlawan for some light sightseeing and shopping. Brendan chose to stay back and rest after a long night finishing his assignment.

It didn’t take long for disappointment to strike.

• Max Fashion was closed

• Cat’s favourite clothing store was having a closing down sale

It felt like the end of an era.

Still, we found some comfort at Brands Outlet, where we managed to pick up a few items.

Familiar Stops

With shopping done, we Grabbed our way to one of our long time favourites—a stall selling You Char Kueh outside Mei Sin Café.

This area brought back memories. We had spent many stays nearby at the now closed Ramada Plaza Hotel, and coming back here felt oddly nostalgic.

For those curious, the Cantonese name for these fried pastries—yau char kwai—literally meant “deep fried devils.”

Dinner, Our Way

A short walk down the road brought us to another familiar name—Lu Yeh Yen, our default Chinese restaurant whenever we were in Melaka.

We were glad to see them still going strong, with plenty of takeaway orders.

This time, we ordered:

• Sweet & Sour Pork with Rice (for Brendan) – RM12.00
• Ginger Pork with Rice (for Cat) – RM12.00
• Fried Noodles (for me) – RM7.00

Total: RM31.00 (≈ USD7.40/EUR6.50)

Everyday Food, Still Standing

It was simple, affordable, and comforting.

More importantly, it was a reminder of how these smaller establishments had adapted—leaning on delivery platforms just to stay afloat.

We sincerely hoped they continued to do well.

Wrapping Up the Day

What began as a quiet day turned into:

• A dessert filled lunch
• A nostalgic evening
• And a comforting takeaway dinner

Another day in Melaka, full of small moments that stayed with us.

Stay tuned—more Melaka stories coming next! 🍰✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Favourite Eu Char Kueh (Mei Sin Cafe) - https://goo.gl/maps/2wPxjZyv7C9W73iF9

露夜园海鲜酒家 Restaurant Lu Yeh Yen - https://goo.gl/maps/TeHU7xufMcrbWMT29

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

We shoot primarily with: 

• DJI Pocket 2

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

• Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 

• Panasonic Lumix G 20mm ƒ/1.7

• Huawei P30

Song: The Jazz Piano

Music provided by Bensound

https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

ramada plaza hotel melaka, ramada plaza melaka, eu char kueh, chinese restaurant, chinese cuisine, lu yeh yen, affordable dining, dji, dji pocket 2, pocket 2, panasonic lumix, panasonic lumix gx85, lumix gx85, gx85, huawei p30,

MKZ Day 2 │ DeXingLung Kopitiam

Melaka Trip Day 2 — Breakfast Change of Plans

I woke up early that morning and spent some quiet time working on the laptop before waking Cat. The Millennial, however, chose to sleep in and skipped breakfast with us.

Plan A… Didn’t Work

We headed to Bunga Raya, with our hearts set on breakfast at Restoran Kok Keong. But when we arrived, we found it closed.

Well—as they say, when one door closes, another opens.

A Pleasant Surprise

Just across the street, we found DeXingLung Kopitiam, a pork free eatery known for its homemade Pan Mee (flour noodles).

The proprietress was a kind lady who warmly allowed us to film, and the place had a welcoming, down to earth feel.

A Simple Feast

Since it was just the two of us, we ordered:

• Pan Mee in Soup – RM7.50
• Dry Pan Mee – RM7.50
• Chicken & Fish Meatballs – RM7.50

Total: RM22.50 (≈ USD5.40 / EUR4.70)

Everyday Food Done Right

It was another perfect example of what we loved most: simple, honest food for the everyday person.

Fresh, comforting, and incredibly good value.

A New Favourite

What started as a small disappointment turned into a lovely discovery.

Safe to say, we’ll be back here again the next time we’re in Melaka. 🍜✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

德興隆 咖啡店 DeXingLung Kopitiam - https://goo.gl/maps/e6buokZKXsUXAY217

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

MKZ Day 1 │ Newton Food Court (Melaka)

Dinner at Newton Food Court

After checking into our apartment, we settled in with our usual routine—shower, change, and wash all the clothes we had worn. It was a small habit, but one that gave us peace of mind.

A Familiar Dinner Spot

Later in the evening, we headed out for dinner at a place we had loved for years—Newton Food Court. Brendan stayed back to work on an assignment, so it was just the two of us.

Newton was everything a Malaysian food court should be:

• Lively
• Varied
• Full of familiar smells and flavours

It offered almost anything you could think of, but as always, we found ourselves returning to our usual favourites.

Our Go-To Dishes

After walking around and taking a look at the stalls, we ordered:

• Ikan Pari Bakar (Grilled Stingray) – RM38.80
• 10 sticks of Satay – RM10.00
• 2 glasses of Iced Chinese Tea – RM1.40

Our meal came to RM50.20 (≈ USD12/EUR11).

Simple, Honest Food

It was another perfect example of what we always enjoyed: everyday food for the everyday person.

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just bold, satisfying flavours that kept us coming back.

A Place We’ll Always Return To

There was a certain comfort in returning to Newton Food Court. The familiarity, the variety, and the consistent flavours made it one of those places we associate closely with Melaka.

And without a doubt—we’ll be back again on our next visit. 🍢✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Newton Food Court - https://goo.gl/maps/ty8DeZLLpoydJdYt5

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

MKZ Day 1 │ AIR KEROH R&R (Southbound)

Melaka Trip Day 1

After returning from Kuala Terengganu—and subsequently testing positive for COVID 19 in late November—we had spent most of our time indoors. Even through Christmas and right up to New Year’s, we stayed home, venturing out only for essential errands and to celebrate Cat’s birthday.

By now, we were eager to move on from that chapter. Still mindful of staying safe, we made a spur of the moment decision to book an Airbnb apartment in Melaka for the weekend.

A Lesson Learned

From our previous trip, we had learned something important.

This time, we chose an Airbnb that came with a washing machine, allowing us to maintain our usual routine:

• Shower immediately after outings
• Change clothes
• Wash everything right away

For now, hotel stays were off the list.

A Quick Stop Before the Journey

Before we could head south, I had a scheduled medical check up at KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital. By the time I was done, it was already noon, and we began our drive to Melaka.

It had been a while since I last drove—something I hadn’t done since our previous trip—and it felt good to be back behind the wheel.

Lunch at Air Keroh R&R

About halfway through the journey, we stopped at Air Keroh R&R for lunch.

After a short walk around the stalls, we settled on a classic Malaysian spread:

• Cat had Nasi Lemak with Sotong (squid) – RM5.50
• I chose Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Berempah – RM4.00
• Brendan went for Nasi Kandar with Fried Chicken – RM6.00
• Drinks came up to RM6.70

Total: RM22.20 (≈ USD5.40/EUR4.70)

Everyday Food Done Right

It was a simple meal—nothing fancy—but it was exactly what we loved: everyday food for the everyday person.

Affordable, satisfying and familiar.

Onward to Melaka

With lunch done, we got back on the road and continued our leisurely drive toward Melaka town.

It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t complicated.

Just the open road ahead—and a quiet sense that we were finally moving forward again.

Stay tuned—Melaka adventures begin next! 🚗✨

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&R Ayer Keroh (Southbound) - https://goo.gl/maps/1ydyJ7d9pRsiXwYJ8

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

TGG Day 5 │ Recap

A Productive Final Morning

Today was our fifth and final day in Kuala Terengganu, and we hoped to make it a productive one — tying up loose ends and doing all the things we had planned.

We headed to Pasar Kedai Payang bright and early for our customary market hunt, but first stopped by the food court for a comforting bowl of Laksa Kuah Putih. With breakfast sorted, we began our market hunt, which lasted for the better part of an hour and a half.

A Farewell Visit

After the market, we stopped by my late Aunty’s house to check on things and to bid a quiet, fond farewell. We promised ourselves that we would return in a month or so to continue the spring cleaning — a promise we intend to keep.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

On the way back to the hotel, we made a spontaneous detour to visit my old primary school, Sekolah Rendah Sultan Sulaiman 2. And boy, how it has changed. The buildings, the grounds, the atmosphere — everything felt familiar yet different, like a memory seen through new eyes.

Rest and a Light Lunch

Knackered, we returned to the hotel and rested before walking downstairs for a light lunch at Plan A. It was the perfect mid day pause before the evening’s adventure.

ICT Redemption at Kampung Tok Jembal

Later in the afternoon, we picked Vinodh up and headed to Kampung Tok Jembal for another attempt at Ikan Celup Tepung (ICT). This time, we made sure to be early and arrived before 5pm.

We ordered a full seafood feast — flour dipped fish, prawns, and squid — along with Pisang Goreng and several plates of Keropok Lekor for good measure. It was indulgent, delicious, and the perfect way to celebrate our final evening in Kuala Terengganu.

Sunset at Uptown Kontena

After an hour and a half of gorging, we made our way to Uptown Kontena, where we spent the evening enjoying the cool breeze and watching the sunset. A simple, beautiful way to close the chapter on this trip.

Until the Next Adventure

All good things must come to an end, and this video marks the conclusion of our Kuala Terengganu series. We hope to be back soon — to fulfil the promise we made to my late Aunty, and to bring you along on another East Coast adventure.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Food Court Pasar Kedai Payang - https://goo.gl/maps/LPTAUZWCnHNB2qxH9

Pasar Kedai Payang (Baru) - https://goo.gl/maps/Su9K267KuLUACAHC8

Restoran Plan A - https://goo.gl/maps/AJ53uiz3xHLJgFz2A

Warung Bidara (Pokman) - https://goo.gl/maps/imiPV4f8dyJLXgmL9

Sultan Mahmud Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/yhNPKUg5uFVSNFCaA

Uptown Kontena - https://goo.gl/maps/p2bNeyAsyiDvccYe7

TGG Day 5 │ Warung Bidara POKMAN

Making Up for Yesterday

Eager to make up for yesterday’s disappointment with the elusive Ikan Celup Tepung (ICT), we picked Vinodh up again at 4:30pm and, within half an hour, found ourselves back in Kampung Tok Jembal.

This time, we were single minded in our mission.

The Perfect Spot — Beside the Runway

We headed straight to the ICT stall that Vinodh usually visits whenever he needs to pick up his mother from Sultan Mahmud Airport. Located just north of the runway, Warung Bidara Pokman is the perfect vantage point — Vinodh would sit here, enjoy ICT, and watch his mother’s flight land before driving over to fetch her.

Genius, right?

A Feast Fit for a Finale

We went a little overboard and ordered a plate of everything they had:

• Flour dipped fish
• Flour dipped prawns
• Flour dipped squid
• Pisang Goreng (Banana Fritters)
• Several plates of Keropok Lekor — because why not

Vinodh was truly astonished by the amount of food we ordered, and even more amazed that we managed to (almost) finish everything. You could say we ended our Kuala Terengganu trip with a bang.

The Damage

Our feast came to RM77 (≈ USD18/EUR16). Considering how much we ordered, it was actually very reasonable.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for an authentic ICT experience, we highly recommend Warung Bidara Pokman. Great food, great atmosphere, and a runway view you won’t get anywhere else.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Warung Bidara (Pokman) - https://goo.gl/maps/imiPV4f8dyJLXgmL9

Sultan Mahmud Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/yhNPKUg5uFVSNFCaA

TGG Day 5 │ Restoran Plan A

Resting After the Market

We returned to the hotel after our market hunt at Pasar Kedai Payang and rested for a bit. Since we had plans with Vinodh later in the evening to try our luck with Ikan Celup Tepung (ICT), we decided to keep lunch light and simple.

A Convenient Choice

Located just beside our hotel, Plan A was the obvious choice. We had dinner here two days ago but didn’t record any videos then — so this time, we made sure to showcase the café properly.

Wanting to keep things easy, we ordered:

• Grilled Chicken Chop (for the Millennial)
• Bun with Kaya and Butter
• Egg Mayo Sandwich
• and beverages all around

The Damage

Our meal came to RM46.50 (≈ USD11/EUR10). A little pricey by local Kuala Terengganu standards, but definitely on par with Kuala Lumpur café prices. Given the convenience and the quality, we felt it was fair.

Our Verdict

We highly recommend Plan A if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and comfortable café right in the heart of Kuala Terengganu. It’s perfect for a light meal before a busy evening — or in our case, before another attempt at the elusive ICT.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Restoran Plan A - https://goo.gl/maps/AJ53uiz3xHLJgFz2A

TGG Day 5 │ PASAR KEDAI PAYANG Market Hunt

Our Final Day Begins

It was our fifth and final day in Kuala Terengganu, and we planned to end our trip with a proper market hunt at Pasar Kedai Payang. The Millennial, fully aware of our enthusiasm when it comes to market hunts, politely declined our invitation — so it was just the two of us this morning.

Remembering the Old Market

The former Pasar Kedai Payang (now under renovation just next door) was once divided into two levels:

• Ground floor — the wet market, selling fish, vegetables, traditional cakes, and all manner of kitchen essentials.
• Upper floor — famous for Terengganu batik, silk, brocade cloth, and woven songket. This floor also housed the food court that used to serve my favourite version of Nasi Minyak.

It was a compact, bustling, vertical market — chaotic in the best possible way.

Exploring the New Pasar Kedai Payang

The new Pasar Kedai Payang has gone horizontal. The spacious, warehouse like main annex now sells all kinds of dry goods: keropok, batik, songket, souvenirs, and more. The food court sits at the back, but for some reason, I could not find my favourite Nasi Minyak anymore — a small disappointment, but perhaps it has simply moved elsewhere.

Next to the main annex, on the right, is a smaller single storey building housing the wet market: fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. It felt a little cramped compared to the old layout, but the atmosphere was lively and familiar all the same.

Still Learning the New Layout

This was only our second visit to the new Pasar Kedai Payang, and we’re still getting used to its expanded footprint and reorganised sections. We hope that our walkabout video captured the essence of the place — the colours, the sounds, the energy, and the spirit of a market that remains close to our hearts, even as it evolves.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Pasar Kedai Payang (Baru) - https://goo.gl/maps/Su9K267KuLUACAHC8

TGG Day 5 │ AISAH AWANG Gerai 27

A Market Hunt to End Our Trip

It was our fifth and final day in Kuala Terengganu, and we planned to cap off our trip with a proper market hunt at Pasar Kedai Payang. Before starting the hunt, we made our way to the food court for breakfast.

The Millennial declined our invitation — so it was just the two of us on this quiet morning sojourn.

Breaking the Nasi Dagang Streak

For the first time this trip, we finally had something other than Nasi Dagang for breakfast. We stopped at an unnamed stall, though we noticed a small signboard that read “Aisah Binti Awang”, with stall number 27.

A few days earlier, we had Laksa Kuah Putih at On The Way, so we decided to try the same dish here as well.

The Verdict

It was a different but equally good take on our favourite local noodle dish — lighter in some ways, richer in others — and we were pleasantly surprised. It’s always nice when a simple stall delivers something memorable.

The Damage

Together with a round of beverages for both of us, the total came to an astonishing RM16.50 (≈ USD3.90/EUR3.50). Truly the everyday food for the everyday man.

Onward With the Market Hunt

With breakfast sorted, we continued our final day adventure at Pasar Kedai Payang.

More stories from this last day coming up.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Food Court Pasar Kedai Payang - https://goo.gl/maps/LPTAUZWCnHNB2qxH9

TGG Day 4 │ Recap

An Early Start at NDAT

We woke up incredibly early this morning and headed to the Nasi Dagang Atas Tol (NDAT) 3 outlet at Jalan Hiliran, Kampung Tok Ku — the nearest branch to us. Online reviews warned of long queues, so we made the effort to arrive before 6:30am.

We are still not sure if there is such a thing as a “better” Nasi Dagang, or if it’s simply a case of different styles, each good in its own way. But NDAT certainly held its own.

A Day of Hard Work

The rest of the day was spent at my late Aunty’s house, where we gave her kitchen and downstairs toilet a thorough washing and cleaning. It was tiring but meaningful work.

Afterwards, we headed to a nearby laundromat and had lunch at a café while waiting for the laundry to finish. We didn’t shoot any videos throughout the afternoon — we were simply too knackered. Once everything was sorted, we returned to the hotel and took a long, much needed nap.

The ICT Hunt That Wasn’t

Late in the evening, we made plans with my good old friend Vinodh to have dinner at one of the Ikan Celup Tepung (ICT) stalls in Seberang Takir. Unfortunately, we left the hotel at dusk, picked Vinodh up, and by the time we reached Seberang Takir, most ICT stalls had already closed for the day.

Undeterred, we drove up and down the coast from Seberang Takir to Tok Jembal for about an hour before finally calling it quits and heading back to Kuala Terengganu town.

A Late Night Rescue

Vinodh then suggested his favourite late night hangout — a place that served an excellent version of the local Nasi Minyak. It turned out to be the perfect way to end the evening after a long, exhausting day.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow will be our fifth and final day, and we hope to make it a productive one. A market hunt is definitely on the cards.

Stay tuned for the final chapter of our Kuala Terengganu journey.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Nasi Dagang Atas Tol 3 - https://goo.gl/maps/J88JwhRciVBQUAaM9

Kedai Makan MYM - https://goo.gl/maps/J88JwhRciVBQUAaM9

TGG Day 4 │ Kedai Makan MYM

Chasing ICT in Seberang Takir

We had made plans with my good old friend Vinodh to have dinner at one of the famous Ikan Celup Tepung (ICT) spots in Seberang Takir. Unfortunately, we left the hotel a little late, picked Vinodh up, and by the time we reached Seberang Takir, dusk had already settled in.

We drove around the area for almost an hour, circling one ICT stall after another, but luck simply wasn’t on our side. Eventually, we called it quits and headed back toward Kuala Terengganu town.

A Late Night Suggestion

On the way back, Vinodh suggested we try his favourite late night hangout — a place that served an excellent version of the local Nasi Minyak, quite different from the ones commonly found on the West Coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

That place was Kedai Makan MYM, located near Pasar Kedai Payang and Istana Maziah.

Nasi Minyak Like No Other

We placed our orders and sat down to enjoy a plate of Nasi Minyak that was truly special — fragrant, flavourful, and unmistakably Terengganu in character. It was different from the West Coast style, but amazing in its own right.

This time around, we can’t quote the exact price for four, because Vinodh graciously footed the bill. But believe us when we say: it wouldn’t have breached RM10 per person.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a late night meal in Kuala Terengganu, do pay Kedai Makan MYM a visit. You won’t be disappointed.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kedai Makan MYM - https://goo.gl/maps/J88JwhRciVBQUAaM9

TGG Day 4 │ Nasi Dagang ATAS TOL

A Morning Mission

There is a long running debate about which Nasi Dagang is the best in Kuala Terengganu. This morning, we set out to see whether there truly is a “better” Nasi Dagang — or if it’s simply a case of different styles, each delicious in its own way.

We woke up incredibly early and headed to the Nasi Dagang Atas Tol (NDAT) Tol 3 outlet at Jalan Hiliran, Kampung Tok Ku — the nearest branch to us. We had read online that long queues form quickly, so we took the initiative to arrive before 6:30am.

Much has been said about NDAT, and we were excited to finally try it for ourselves. The Millennial, after a long night of assignments, decided to give NDAT a miss — to his loss.

The Verdict

We ordered, paid, and sat down to enjoy what we consider the second best Nasi Dagang in all of Terengganu.

We agree with Vinodh’s conclusion:

• NDAT’s gravy is sweeter
• The presentation is more polished

But in terms of authenticity of taste, we still feel that Kak Pah’s gravy holds a slight edge. From what we’ve observed, it seems my generation leans toward Kak Pah, while the younger crowd prefers NDAT.

Perhaps it all boils down to the “sweet tooth” factor.

The Damage

The entire breakfast — including beverages for the both of us (Brendan was still asleep) — came to RM14.00 (≈ USD/EUR3). Very reasonable, especially considering NDAT is now a household name.

Onward With the Day

With breakfast settled, we were ready to continue our mission in Kuala Terengganu.

More updates to come.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Nasi Dagang Atas Tol 3 - https://goo.gl/maps/J88JwhRciVBQUAaM9

TGG Day 3 │ Recap

Breakfast Before the Real Work

The real reason we planned this trip back to Kuala Terengganu was to tend to my late Aunty’s house. As soon as inter state travel was allowed again, we made a solemn promise to return, straighten out her home, and see if we could make it a place of warmth once more.

But before any of that could happen, we needed sustenance — and where else would we go but Kak Pah Nasi Dagang. For the second morning in a row, we enjoyed her signature Nasi Dagang, a comforting start before a long day ahead.

On the way to the house, we stopped by Mr DIY to pick up some much needed supplies.

Three Hours of Hard Labour

A gruelling but satisfying three hours later, we finally stepped back and realised we had worked straight past lunchtime. The front porch was cleared, the space felt lighter, and although there was still much to do, it was a meaningful start.

A Well Earned Treat at OTW

Famished and exhausted, we made our way to On the Way (OTW) to reward ourselves after all that back breaking work. OTW did not disappoint — the food was delicious, comforting, and exactly what we needed after the morning’s emotional and physical effort.

Rest and Recovery

After lunch, we returned to the hotel and rested. We were completely knackered, with no energy left for filming or editing. Dinner was a simple affair — we only had the strength to walk downstairs to a nearby café.

A Day Well Spent

It was a tiring day, but a meaningful one. We honoured our promise, made progress at my Aunty’s house, and gave ourselves the space to rest afterwards.

More updates to come as our mission continues.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Kak Pah Nasi Dagang - https://goo.gl/maps/tLj2jvqhecbJj1tH8

Medan Selera Batu Burok - https://goo.gl/maps/Di5wc3mNToXfGqoh9

Jalan Sultan Ismail - https://goo.gl/maps/qbEuDtDaj9s75a2e7

Restoran On The Way - https://goo.gl/maps/QkoARiDhKwrvuA129

TGG Day 3 │ Restoran ON THE WAY

A Gruelling Morning, A Satisfying Result

We spent a gruelling but satisfying three hours at my Aunty’s house, clearing and sorting out the front porch. By the time we were done, lunchtime had quietly slipped past us. Not wanting to dwell on the emotional weight of the morning, we headed straight to Kampung Cina in search of a good meal.

Lunch at On the Way

We made our way to a local eatery called On the Way, a place we had heard countless good things about. Our hopes were high — and we were mighty glad we were not disappointed.

Famished after all that hard labour, we ordered:

• Laksa Kuah Putih
• Laksa Kuah Merah
• Laksam Kuah Putih
• Cheesy Fries
• Rojak Betik
• and a multitude of beverages and fruit juices

And just to set the record straight: despite someone’s insistence, the Rojak Betik here does not resemble Ceranang in any way. My favourite Ceranang remains unmatched.

The Damage

We knew that eating at On the Way wouldn’t be cheap — and partly as a treat after the morning’s hard work, we were prepared for it. The total came to RM76.20 (≈ USD18/EUR16), which felt fair for the variety and quality of dishes we enjoyed.

Our Verdict

We highly recommend On the Way if you’re looking for delicious, authentic Terengganu cuisine. Just don’t expect to find Ceranang here.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Restoran On The Way - https://goo.gl/maps/QkoARiDhKwrvuA129

TGG Day 3 │ KAK PAH Nasi Dagang

Searching for the “Best”

There has always been a lively debate about which Nasi Dagang is the best in Kuala Terengganu. This morning, we set out to see whether there truly is a “better” Nasi Dagang — or if it’s simply a case of different styles, each good in its own way.

For us, Kak Pah has been the gold standard for as long as we can remember. To hear that there might be a pretender to her throne actually bodes well for the Nasi Dagang loving community. Still, it’s hard for us to imagine anyone dethroning her.

Breakfast With the Queen

We ordered, paid, and sat down to enjoy what we still consider the best Nasi Dagang in all of Terengganu. The flavours were familiar, comforting, and exactly as we remembered.

The entire breakfast — including beverages — came to RM21.00 (≈ USD5/EUR4), which we felt was still very reasonable given Kak Pah’s long standing reputation.

Fuel for the Day Ahead

We needed to keep our strength up, as we would be hard at work later in the day.

So please stay tuned — the real mission of our trip continues.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kak Pah Nasi Dagang - https://goo.gl/maps/tLj2jvqhecbJj1tH8

Medan Selera Batu Burok - https://goo.gl/maps/Di5wc3mNToXfGqoh9

TGG Day 2 │ Recap

A Slow Start to the Morning

We meant to wake up early, but fatigue kept us in bed longer than expected. We finally began our morning walkabout at 8:30am, strolling the length of Kampung Cina before having breakfast at Pasar Kedai Payang. After making a loop around the market, we headed back to the hotel, then drove out to Batu Buruk beach for a very pleasant walk down memory lane.

Laundry Adventures (Not the Good Kind)

Back in town, we stopped at a laundromat near the hotel to get our laundry done. 

Unfortunately, it turned into an unpleasant experience — the fussy proprietor hovered over us the entire time, watching every single thing we did. Social distancing seemed to be an alien concept for this pesky little man.

A Sweet Discovery

Once the laundry was done, we spotted a stall across the street selling the most delicious pisang goreng. It was so good that we enjoyed it a little too much — lunch was completely forgotten.

Dinner With an Old Friend

Dinner, however, was a grand affair. My dear old friend Vinodh invited us to Restoran Ocean, where we spent hours catching up and reminiscing about our days growing up in Kuala Terengganu. Good food, good company, and good memories — the perfect way to end the evening.

Tomorrow’s Mission

Tomorrow will be an important but tiring day, as we will finally be fulfilling our true purpose for returning to Kuala Terengganu. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

ARENA Boutique Hotel Kuala Terengganu

- https://g.page/ARENABoutiqueHotel?share

China Town, Kuala Terengganu - https://goo.gl/maps/yoqvMxSvnJpoEJRM6

Jalan Kampung Cina - https://goo.gl/maps/VsGLxurxyA62Yvko6

Pasar Besar Kedai Payang - https://goo.gl/maps/YfQfbUmgYfbCBWtFA

Warung Kak Sal Nasi Dagang - https://goo.gl/maps/DHMNifVYVDCjx7UF6

Pantai Batu Burok 2 - https://goo.gl/maps/5X9n5ZLo6o2f6XE79

Pantai Batu Burok - https://goo.gl/maps/p6gYrfcYeT6HpCWZ7

Restaurant Ocean - https://goo.gl/maps/xMzxiRLwpBQsRFCN7